Background: Investigation of the biochemical profile and storage root yield of three cassava genotypes (H-165, H-226 and TME-419) was carried out. Planting was done at three different seasons: summer, early monsoon and late monsoon. Methods: The storage roots were harvested at intervals of 6, 9 and 12 months after planting to evaluate their yield. Granule morphology of the starches and biochemical characteristics of the flours were examined using electron microscopy and biochemical techniques. Result: Significant variations were observed in the starch content, root yield and size of starch granule, which were mainly dependent on planting dates, while the variations recorded in starch granule morphology, amylose and amylopectin contents were influenced by genotype. The highest starch (33.5%) and amylose content (18.9%) were observed in TME-419 variety. The rate of storage root yield had positive correlation with maximum temperature and sunshine and negative correlation with humidity and rainfall. This study indicated that cultivation season affects starch accumulation and root yield in cassava and can be applied in developing cassava varieties with high starch and root yield, suitable for different planting seasons.

Background: A series of field experiments were conducted at the Tapioca and Castor Research Station (TCRS), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Yethapur, Salem from 2022 to 2023. The purpose was to investigate the growth dynamics and economics of short-duration cassava under different nutrient management practices including both integrated and organic approaches. Methods: Twelve treatments were carried out consisting of various combinations of organic manures, liquid organic foliar sprays, integrated nutrient management treatments and a control treatment (no manures/fertilizers/sprays). The experiments were carried out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications at the same location. Results: The results revealed that the different nutrient management practices had a significant impact on the physiological response throughout the various stages of plant growth. Based on the average data from two experiments, the INM treatment (FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% recommended dose of fertilizers and cassava booster spray) showed the highest physiological response during the final phase of growth. This treatment showed superior performance in terms of leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), tuber bulking rate (TBR) and mean TBR. The organic treatment (wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 and 3% panchagavya foliar spray) recorded comparable performance to the INM treatment in major parameters such as LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR. However, it followed the INM treatment in terms of mean TBR. Economic analysis revealed that the INM treatment yielded the highest net income and benefit-cost ratio (BCR), followed by the organic treatment. The control resulted in the least returns. In conclusion, the findings highlight the effectiveness of the INM treatment and the promising performance of the organic treatment which can contribute to sustainable and profitable cassava cultivation.

Background: Cassava is an important tropical tuber crop with great potential, particularly for short-duration varieties. Understanding the impact of nutrient management practices on the growth and yield of cassava is crucial for improving its productivity. Methods: Field experiments were conducted at Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Yethapur, Salem in 2022-2023 to determine the effect of various nutrient management practices on the growth attributes, biomass production, dry matter distribution and yield characteristics of short-duration cassava. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with twelve treatments and three replications. Results: The integrated nutrient management practice of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% RDF + cassava booster spray (T10) resulted in higher crop growth, dry matter production, yield attributes, tuber yield and top yield. This was comparable with the organic practice of Wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 + 3% panchagavya foliar spray (T7) among other organic practices. The control treatment with no manures, fertilizers or foliar sprays recorded lower growth and yield. The positive correlation between growth and yield attributes and yield was also observed. In conclusion, the application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% RDF + cassava booster spray and Wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 + 3% panchagavya foliar spray were effective in improving the growth and yield of short-duration cassava. From the study, it is also evident that the short-duration cassava is suitable for organic cultivation and can be integrated into existing cropping systems.